Bard?

[Shrike Arghast.3856]

I like bards in fantasy lore (not really FFXIV's take, which is really more of a glorified archer, but rather the instrument-toting, buff-focused, sometimes-1h-sword-wielding support class). Obviously, GW2 doesn't have a true bard - which is totally fine. I'm not here to cry over it, but rather to brainstorm the closest I can come to playing one of these musicians with what the game has given me.

I consider the criteria for what makes a bard a bard (in no particular order):

1. Buffs.
2. Some sort of musical theming.
3. Can use traditional bard-like 1hs like daggers and swords.
4. (Potentially) leather-ish armor.

Given the above, I'm currently playing a 1h sword (and possibly eventually a dagger with spellbreaker)-using warrior with a warhorn. It seems to fulfill the basic criteria (particularly the use of an instrument), with the exception of heavy armor (which is largely overcome through outfits and wardrobe use).

My question is: is this the nearest I can come? Does any prof/specialization better fit the notion of a bard?

 

Edited September 6, 2022 by Shrike Arghast.3856

[Warscythes.9307]

I get my idea of bard in dnd where is more of a arcane gish. Musical instrument is whatever because typically you just sing while in battle, at most you use your guitar as arcane casting focus. Personally I find mesmer to be the class that fit the bill the most then just stick one of these as weapon skin.

[Dawdler.8521]

Because in the current balance we really, really need one more class that literally vomit out boons.

[kharmin.7683]

Try doing a search in the Professions forum for previous threads on this concept:

https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/search/?q=bard&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=12&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy&search_in=titles

[Knighthonor.4061]

2 hours ago, kharmin.7683 said:

Try doing a search in the Professions forum for previous threads on this concept:

https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/search/?q=bard&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=12&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy&search_in=titles

Do you have a hotline I can call when I want somebody to do a forum search for me?

[kharmin.7683]

1 minute ago, Knighthonor.4061 said:

Do you have a hotline I can call when I want somebody to do a forum search for me?

😆

GW2 has been around for 10 years.  There is hardly ever, if ever, a unique idea or proposal that hasn't already been brought up and discussed.  Searching the forum is ridiculously easy.  Most (many) posters are simply too lazy to even try it.

[Ashen.2907]

9 hours ago, Shrike Arghast.3856 said:

I like bards in fantasy lore (not really FFXIV's take, which is really more of a glorified archer, but rather the instrument-toting, buff-focused, sometimes-1h-sword-wielding support class). Obviously, GW2 doesn't have a true bard - which is totally fine. I'm not here to cry over it, but rather to brainstorm the closest I can come to playing one of these musicians with what the game has given me.

I consider the criteria for what makes a bard a bard (in no particular order):

1. Buffs.
2. Some sort of musical theming.
3. Can use traditional bard-like 1hs like daggers and swords.
4. (Potentially) leather-ish armor.

Given the above, I'm currently playing a 1h sword (and possibly eventually a dagger with spellbreaker)-using warrior with a warhorn. It seems to fulfill the basic criteria (particularly the use of an instrument), with the exception of heavy armor (which is largely overcome through outfits and wardrobe use).

My question is: is this the nearest I can come? Does any prof/specialization better fit the notion of a bard?

 

A support Tempest using shouts with warhorn off hand might fit the bill. 

[Vinny.7260]

Virtuoso was a tease about Bard in my opinion. BladeSONG, the definition of Virtuoso... The musical prismatic sounds the skills make.

[DeanBB.4268]

Some sort of Mesmer using the legendary Minstrel. Bonus: acquiring the legendary unlocks a musical instrument.

[oscuro.9720]

Mesmer has bard-like skills if you use the right weapons. 

[Gibson.4036]

16 hours ago, oscuro.9720 said:

Mesmer has bard-like skills if you use the right weapons. 

Trident literally bounces musical notes off opponents and allies, wounding the former and buffing the latter.

[oscuro.9720]

7 hours ago, Gibson.4036 said:

Trident literally bounces musical notes off opponents and allies, wounding the former and buffing the latter.

That’s what I was thinking of. Just not sure how long people want to spend underwater.  

[prototypedragon.1406]

There is already a bard class in the game just takes a few gems then your set.👌😉

[VocalThought.9835]

The closest thing to a bard in this game is a Mesmer with a strong Mantra Build. I think it passes as a Bard. I don't need to see musical notes.